Fit 4 Life | Training to become Tuff Enuff

Obstacle races or circuits are one of the most demanding physical activities.

Obstacle races or circuits are one of the most demanding physical activities. They require holistic fitness. Anyone who competes in these events will be required to demonstrate aerobic capacity as well as strength and strength endurance – aerobic as well as anaerobic.

A training programme designed to prepare you for The Gleaner's Fit 4 Life Tuff Enuff Challenge in 12 weeks will require that you:

DEVELOP STRENGTH

Goal: Use resistance training to build strength.

Recommended Tests: Upper body strength test (bench press)

Lower body strength test (leg press)

Training: Focus on compound movements, especially the Big Three (squat, deadlift, bench press). Pay attention, however, to the development of weak or lagging areas.

Rep range: six to 12

Period: weeks one to six

DEVELOP STRENGTH ENDURANCE

Goal: Use resistance training to build strength endurance.

Recommended Tests: Upper body strength endurance test (push-up)

Overall strength endurance test (sit up)

Training: Developing endurance requires working a muscle to fatigue. This demands more reps. There are two basic types of strength endurance aerobic and anaerobic. Each requires a different type of work for development. Anaerobic strength endurance demands training in the medium rep range while aerobic adaptations require high rep training.

Rep range: 13 to 16 for anaerobic capacity and 20 to 40 for aerobic training

Period: weeks one to 10

DEVELOP CARDIOVASCULAR CAPACITY

Goal: Use aerobic training to improve cardiovascular health and performance.

Recommended Test: 12-minute run/walk

Training: Cardiovascular training improves the performance of the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, lungs) and the aerobic energy systems. Training within the recommend target heart-rate will guarantee improvements. Consistency is key.

Rep range: At least 20 minutes three times a week. May require more as your fitness improves.

Period: weeks one to 12

SEVEN LAWS FOR SUCCESS

Working within the seven (granddaddy) laws of fitness as defined by The International Sports Science Association (ISSA) will ensure that your training puts you in the best shape possible for the Tuff Enuff Challenge or any competition.